Mission statement

OCZMA serves local elected officials on the Oregon Coast. OCZMA is a clearinghouse of objective information on issues relating to the Oregon Coast—this information is then shared with the state and federal government. OCZMA conducts studies on the Oregon Coast's economy and carries out applied research to improve the standard of living in the region. Through our extensive network of local government officials and many other partners, OCZMA gives voice to the concerns and needs of coastal residents.

Land Use Senate Bill 100

In 1973, the Oregon Legislature enacted landmark state planning legislation called Senate Bill 100. Under SB 100, cities and counties implement zoning at the local level subject to state oversight. The law established a very important state commission, the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC). LCDC develops administrative rules codifying state policies on a variety of land use issues. Again, local governments carry out zoning in accordance with these state policies. The Department of Land Conservation & Development (DLCD) provides staff support to LCDC and oversight of city and county planning.

Oregon’s land use planning program is one of the most restrictive in the country. The central policy of the law and program is curbing urban sprawl. The land use program protects farm and forestlands outside of cities for farm and forest purposes. Accordingly, the program channels housing and other forms of urban development into the urban growth boundaries.

Oregon’s land use system has received a lot of attention over the years. It has many passionate supporters. And, it has many passionate detractors. But, let’s be realistic. Any program regulating the use of land use will generate controversy. Having said that, voters in Oregon have passed several ballot measures in recent years to limit the state’s power to regulate land use. These ballot measures have been overturned in state courts. But, the success of these measures point to growing concerns about the program.

SB 82 (2005 Legislature)
SB 82 was created in the 2005 Oregon Legislature created an Oregon Task Force on Land Use Planning for the purpose of conducting a comprehensive review of the Oregon Statewide Planning Program and making recommendations for any needed changes to Oregon's land use policy to the 2009 Legislature. [more]